Morning Business Report: Markets, inflation, and rising costs impact families and housing

Markets are closely watching President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today.

(LILAMAX)- Markets are closely watching President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today.

Analysts say a cease-fire could boost the stock market through a potential “peace dividend.” Oil prices may react if Russia faces stronger sanctions on its exports, while gold — often a safe haven in times of uncertainty — could also respond depending on the outcome.

Parents and caregivers packing school lunches will face higher costs this year due to food inflation and tariffs. A Deloitte report shows that while school-provided lunches are generally cheaper than home-packed meals, prices for milk, cheese, apples, and bananas are on the rise.

Stocks closed little changed despite a second inflation report this week showing hotter-than-expected inflation, driven largely by a significant gain in airfare. Traders appeared to look beyond the report in market reactions.

Financial pressures are mounting for families, with six in ten parents going into debt to provide for their children, according to a survey by National Debt Relief conducted ahead of the back-to-school season. More than half of parents say the rising cost of living is making it difficult to provide for their kids, and 57% of those in debt say it limits their ability to grow their family. Single parents are particularly affected.

In housing news, mortgage rates have fallen to the lowest levels of 2025. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 6.58%, the lowest since October 2024, offering some relief in a housing market that has struggled for the past three years.